NCAR Finance manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s (NCAR) financial resources and ensures responsible stewardship of public funds. As a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), NCAR operates under strict guidelines and regulations. The Finance department’s role is crucial in maintaining compliance, providing accurate financial reporting, and supporting NCAR’s scientific mission. The core functions of NCAR Finance include: * **Budgeting and Planning:** Working closely with NCAR’s laboratories and programs to develop and manage annual budgets aligned with strategic goals and available funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other sponsors. This involves forecasting expenditures, monitoring budget execution, and providing financial analysis to inform decision-making. * **Accounting and Reporting:** Maintaining accurate and complete financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and federal regulations. This includes processing accounts payable and receivable, managing the general ledger, and preparing financial statements for internal management, UCAR, NSF, and external auditors. Compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is paramount. * **Grants and Contracts Administration:** Managing the financial aspects of sponsored research projects, from proposal preparation to award closeout. This involves ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, tracking expenditures, preparing financial reports, and managing subawards to collaborating institutions. * **Procurement:** Overseeing the procurement of goods and services necessary to support NCAR’s operations, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and promoting fair and open competition. This includes managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and processing purchase orders. * **Travel and Expense Reimbursement:** Managing travel arrangements and processing expense reimbursements for NCAR staff and visitors, adhering to travel policies and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. * **Asset Management:** Maintaining accurate records of NCAR’s fixed assets, including equipment and facilities, and ensuring their proper utilization and maintenance. * **Payroll:** Processing payroll for NCAR employees, ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages and salaries, and complying with payroll tax regulations. NCAR Finance is committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. It plays a vital role in supporting NCAR’s scientific research and ensuring the responsible use of public funds. The department strives to provide excellent customer service to NCAR staff, collaborators, and sponsors, and to continuously improve its processes and systems. Effective internal controls and risk management practices are integral to the Finance department’s operations. Through its dedicated team and commitment to excellence, NCAR Finance contributes significantly to the success of NCAR’s mission to understand the Earth system.